River on course for final
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| AFP |
Argentinian giants River Plate beat Guarani of Paraguay 2-0 on Tuesday to put themselves firmly on course for a place in the final of the Copa Libertadores.
Second-half goals from defender Gabriel Mercado and Rodrigo Mora gave the Buenos Aires side a commanding first-leg lead, which leaves Guarani needing to stage a dramatic fightback to advance to the final.
Mercado fired River into the lead on 59 minutes before Uruguayan striker Mora made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute.
Mora's goal was a contender for goal of the tournament, with the 27-year-old advancing into the Guarani penalty area before lifting a sublime chip over goalkeeper Alfredo Aguilar.
Earlier Mercado had broken Guarani's resistance, lashing home from close range after the Paraguayans failed to deal with a deep ball into the penalty area.
The second Copa Libertadores semi-final will see Internacional of Brazil face Mexican side Tigres in Porto Alegre.